Canadian GP to clash with Indy 500 in 2026 F1 calendar

The 2026 Formula 1 calendar has been confirmed, including a more direct clash with the Indianapolis 500 despite a change of date for the Monaco Grand Prix.

It was announced last year that Monaco would move from its traditional late May slot to an early June position in the schedule, allowing for Miami and Montreal to run as consecutive races in May prior to the start of the European season. However, there will still be a clash with the Indianapolis 500 avoided, with the Canadian Grand Prix now taking place on the same day as IndyCar’s flagship event on May 24.

Given the usual green flag times of each event – 12:45 ET for Indianapolis and 14:00 ET for Montreal – there will be overlap for a significant portion of both races.

Although no European races will take place before Canada, the race is slated for three weeks after Miami on May 3, rather than as a back-to-back.

The 2026 season is again set to kick off with a back-to back pairing of Australia and China, as was the case this year, with an earlier start date of March 8 in Melbourne, while Japan follows as a standalone event before a pair of races in the Middle East.

As expected, Imola drops off the schedule to be replaced by the new race in Madrid. That addition is placed at the end of the European season in September, also separating the two Spanish races as Barcelona remains on the calendar for the final year of its contract in its now-usual June slot.

The 2026 season will end with the only two triple-headers of the year, as Austin-Mexico-Brazil and Las Vegas-Qatar-Abu Dhabi round out the season.

With new power unit and chassis regulations coming into effect next year, there are expected to be three pre-season tests, featuring an early shakedown event in Spain as early as late January, before further running in Bahrain in February.

“2026 will be a new era for Formula 1 where we will witness a brand-new set of regulations for our sport, the cars and the engines that will be powered by 100 percent sustainable fuel,” F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said. “We are excited to welcome Madrid to the calendar, and to see huge automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac and Ford join the Formula 1 grid.

“It promises to be an unforgettable season, where once again we will come together at 24 amazing global venues to watch the best drivers in the world push themselves to the limit and produce incredible wheel to wheel racing for our millions of fans watching around the globe.

“I want to thank all our fans for their passionate support and the FIA, with all the volunteers, marshals and officials, as well as the promoters, partners, sponsors, host cities and the local motor racing federations for their commitment and support in delivering this schedule in what I know will be another historic year for Formula 1.”

With a consolidated European calendar, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the schedule is a further step forward for the sport’s sustainability aims.

“Next year’s FIA Formula One World Championship marks a significant new chapter for our sport,” Ben Sulayem said. “A new race, new teams, and the arrival of new manufacturers, all ushering in a fresh era of innovation and competition.

“With 24 Grands Prix across five continents, the season truly reflects the global nature of our community, while the improved geographical flow of the calendar shows our joint commitment to making the championship more efficient and sustainable. The debut of Madrid, the arrival of iconic brands like Audi, Cadillac, and Ford, and the introduction of the next generation of F1 cars powered by 100% advanced sustainable fuels signal an exciting new era of racing.

“My thanks to everyone involved in putting on this incredible season and in delivering a calendar that continues to drive the sport forward on all fronts. And my thanks to the fans whose passion and unwavering support keep the spirit of our sport alive.”